Chapter 40: World Two [Complete] Part 1

Shu Heng had to admit that sometimes wearing clothes felt more tantalizing than being naked. So after waking up groggily the next day, the first thing she did was pull out her phone and start placing online orders.

The combat uniform had been thrilling, so wouldn’t other uniforms offer different experiences too?

Like doctor, nurse, pilot, German military uniform, police attire, and so on.

After trying the particularly ascetic and serious type, she could mix in some different styles: maid outfits, sailor suits, and those special characteristic costumes.

Shu Heng lost herself completely in the dress-up game, while Li Jianwei finished a shoot and was invited to dinner with the brand representative. Before the food even arrived, she received the other’s hint.

“Working for the company forever isn’t a long-term plan. Has Teacher Li considered making her studio fully independent and carving out her own career in the industry?” The brand representative said with a beaming smile, pushing a document over at the same time.

“What does President Gao mean?” Li Jianwei lowered her gaze, her eyes landing on the document’s title.

Equity Transfer Agreement—and it was for shares in her own company. Was this a gesture of goodwill, or an attempt to lure her into doing something with benefits?

“This includes 2.9% of Joyful Splendor Entertainment’s shares. I’m willing to sell them to you at a relatively low price, as a token of my sincerity.” The brand representative didn’t reveal too much.

It was as if he were just doing a good deed, helping Li Jianwei break away from the company and transform from an employee into a boss overnight.

Something fishy was going on. Li Jianwei didn’t agree right away, but she didn’t refuse either. Instead, she said she needed some time to consider.

The brand representative was quite generous, allowing Li Jianwei to take the equity agreement away to study. As long as she agreed, they could fulfill the terms anytime.

After Li Jianwei left the private room, the brand representative dialed a number and spoke in a confident tone. “Li Jianwei is tempted. To win her over, we just need enough chips.”

“But she’s very cautious. My suggestion is not to tamper with the contract at first. Once she trusts us, we can slowly plot to bring her on board.”

The brand representative chuckled as he spoke. “Didn’t I tell you? Li Jianwei comes from a very ordinary family. She only developed after entering the entertainment industry. How could someone like that resist temptation?”

“Maybe the reason she’s with Shu Heng is because she discovered Shu Heng’s identity and wants to profit from it, which is why she seems so devoted.”

“As long as Li Jianwei can keep Shu Heng wrapped around her finger, with nothing but romance on her mind, the company will eventually fall into our hands. No matter how capable that old woman is, with her only child being a disappointment, who else would she hand the company to but us?”

–

The Equity Transfer Agreement had no issues—that was the result after Li Jianwei had three professional lawyers review it.

But the more flawless it seemed, the more vigilant Li Jianwei became. She never forgot that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. No one does you a favor without reason.

The Eldest Miss treated her well because she genuinely liked her as an artist, and she’d helped the Eldest Miss before. That didn’t count as a favor without reason.

Li Jianwei couldn’t dig up the brand representative’s background right away, but she showed the agreement to her agent, Sister Lu, for the industry veteran’s take.

Sister Lu’s response was straightforward: no problems with the agreement, but the downside was the hidden intentions she couldn’t see—good or bad. The benefit was the solid shares in hand.

With 2.9% plus the 6% Li Jianwei already held, it was enough for her to transform into company leadership and let her studio develop independently.

After some thought, Li Jianwei realized she couldn’t refuse such tangible benefits, so she decided to take the risk.

Once she confirmed the funds were no issue, Li Jianwei purchased the corresponding shares with a lawyer’s help, followed by the share change announcement. Joyful Splendor Entertainment’s equity structure was updated as a result.

The brand representative was deeply regretful of Li Jianwei’s excessive caution, as it prevented him from tampering during the process and quickly getting leverage over her.

But his original plan was to play the long game anyway. Exchanging tens of millions in price difference for Li Jianwei’s trust was no loss for him.

After all, what they were scheming for in the end was assets worth hundreds of billions. Even investing tens of billions would still leave them with overflowing profits.

–

Shu Heng didn’t pay much attention to this equity change. She was more concerned whether her girlfriend would be too busy as company leadership to spend time with her.

“Development has gone much smoother than expected, so I might enter the phase of pursuing good scripts ahead of schedule. As for the company and studio, I can handle the related work from home.” Li Jianwei gave her answer after thinking.

She wouldn’t interfere in Joyful Splendor Entertainment’s management. Most studio work was handled by Sister Lu anyway. She mostly just signed documents, provided connections and resources, and collected dividends.

“So Teacher Li won’t be acting this year?” Shu Heng’s eyes lit up.

“Not completely, but I won’t join a crew for long periods unless there’s a really good script.” Li Jianwei reached out and pinched her girlfriend’s cheek. “And don’t forget, me not acting doesn’t mean you won’t join a crew.”

“Why do you say that?” Shu Heng blinked, showing a puzzled expression. “Sister Lu hasn’t lined up any scripts for me lately. Just a few brand endorsements— a few days for promo shoots is enough.”

“Didn’t you say you wanted to catch up to me and win Best Actress too?” Li Jianwei said, pulling a previously printed script from her handbag.

“This is the script Director Zeng spent three full years perfecting. It’s a film from the perspective of revolutionary pioneers, set to shoot for a year, narrated across summer, autumn, winter, and spring.”

“The protagonist’s life was mainly active in summer, autumn, and winter. She fell in the final harsh winter days, but fought for a spring of renewal for future generations.”

The theme was still mainstream patriotic, but without grand spectacles—more from a personal viewpoint, revealing that dark era full of sparks of hope.

Shu Heng read the script very seriously. After just a few pages, she was full of praise. “Teacher Li, this script is great, but why aren’t you playing the lead?”

“Because you fit the appearance better. Director Zeng wants an actress with the right image and solid skills for her female lead.”

Shu Heng felt tempted upon hearing that. Good scripts were rare, especially for a mainstream patriotic film. As long as it didn’t drop the ball later, a Best Actress nomination was guaranteed.

“Teacher Li, will you join the crew with me?” Shu Heng asked. For a moneyed Eldest Miss like her, emotional life mattered more than career hustle.

“I won’t act in any role in the film.” Li Jianwei replied.

Shu Heng visibly wilted, clutching the script unsure how to decide. It was a great script, but separating from Teacher Li for a year…

“But I’m one of the investors.” Li Jianwei added unhurriedly. “I have the right to visit the set anytime. As long as I’m not busy, I can keep you company on location.”

Shu Heng’s mood went on a rollercoaster. Realizing her girlfriend was teasing her, she ‘angrily’ bit her neck.

“You’ll test new toys with me tonight as penance!” Shu Heng said, cheeks puffed in annoyance.

“Meow~” Panda popped out from somewhere, as if agreeing with Shu Heng.

Fa Cai didn’t meow. Instead, it tucked in its paws and tilted its head at the two shit-shovelers huddled on the sofa.

“Fine, I’ll join you.” Li Jianwei, pinned beneath her, smiled and agreed. From her recent experience, the Eldest Miss was always the first to use the little toys—and the last one standing.

–

The brand representative extended his second olive branch quickly. Right after Li Jianwei secured Director Zeng’s role for the Eldest Miss, he asked to meet under the pretext of work.

This time, he revealed more: his identity shifted from brand representative to Director Gao of a listed company.

“The new artist signed to your studio has real talent. I can arrange a high-profile home appliance endorsement for her.” Director Gao said with a smile. “Would Teacher Li do me the honor of accepting?”

“No merits, no rewards.” Li Jianwei’s expression didn’t change. “I’m afraid I can’t accept this gift.”

“No worries, just an appetizer. I think Teacher Li is smart enough to know what I want.” Director Gao’s expression stayed steady too. “If you didn’t recognize me last time, you surely do now, right?”

Li Jianwei didn’t speak. Instead, she swiped her phone a couple times and placed it screen-up on the table. “I’m not interested in power struggles among tycoons. The entertainment industry is my comfort zone. I have no plans to leave.”

“That doesn’t stop us from cooperating. I can give you whatever you need—resources or cash.” Director Gao was very confident.

In his view, people were greedy, especially someone like Li Jianwei, who clawed her way from commoner to elite society. She’d fight tooth and nail to stay in the upper circles.

She couldn’t even resist 2.9% shares—how could such a greedy person withstand bigger temptations?

To be fair, Director Gao’s thinking wasn’t entirely wrong. If it were Zhou Zhao, he’d eagerly agree in a heartbeat.

But Li Jianwei wasn’t Zhou Zhao. Yes, she was greedy, but her brain worked much better.

“What do you need me to do?” Li Jianwei asked directly.

Director Gao thought his chips had swayed her, his smile widening. “Just maintain the status quo. Don’t leave the entertainment industry, and don’t let Shu Heng leave either.”

“A famous brand endorsement is nice, but I can secure one myself.” Li Jianwei crossed her hands on the table. “To be blunt, I don’t see your sincerity.”

Director Gao: “This endorsement is just a meeting gift. As long as we keep a good relationship, I’ll regularly prepare suitable gifts for you.”

“Then I’ll wait and see.” Li Jianwei replied with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

–

Since it was a meeting gift, no reason not to take it. Li Jianwei passed the resource to her artist upon returning. Then, while the Eldest Miss was working out, she dialed a number from a week ago.